2018 has seen more days of better air quality: Delhi govt
NEW DELHI: The year 2018 has seen more days of better air quality as compared to previous years, due to combined efforts of residents of Delhi and concerned agencies, observed the Delhi government on Tuesday.
"The year 2018 has seen more days of better air quality as compared to previous years, due to the combined efforts of residents of Delhi and concerned agencies. However, we collectively need to keep up our efforts, particularly on Diwali and after," said Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain.
An official statement from the government noted, "During the months of October and November, the air quality in northern India and particularly Delhi-NCR remains a cause of concern. This is due to a variety of factors and mainly influenced by agricultural waste burning in the Northern belt of India."
It added that the contribution from the agricultural waste in the recent past has gone as high as up to 60 per cent. There was a significant intrusion of stubble generated pollution on Monday, which has shown a declining trend on Tuesday, as we approach the Diwali day.
"The prominent wind direction is likely to remain North-westerly from 6th and 7th November with cloud-free sky and mist in the morning.
The ventilation coefficient is expected within 7000-8000 m2/s. Winds coming from northwesterly direction bring the influence of biomass burning pollutants in Delhi-NCR. Though surface level wind is calm but upper wind brings pollutants," noted the statement.
"I appeal to everybody concerned to help in reducing the local sources, which contribute to air pollution. A celebration of cracker-free Deepawali is one such step, and I hope the residents of Delhi will continue their positive contribution," said Imran Hussain.
He added: I would like to take this occasion to share with the residents of the national capital, the existing ambient air quality position and would like to request the residents to persuade their near and dear ones for desisting from bursting fire crackers and convince their children about the importance of a green and clean Deepawali.
